Mirror: Australian lab loses hantavirus samples in mysterious 2021 incident

Two test tubes containing hantavirus went missing from a laboratory in Australia in 2021, according to the Mirror.

The disappearance was uncovered at a state laboratory in Queensland, where specialists found that 323 test tubes containing dangerous viruses were unaccounted for. 

Among the missing samples were two tubes containing hantavirus, 223 containing lyssavirus — which is related to the rabies virus — and nearly 100 tubes containing the Hendra virus, considered one of Australia’s most dangerous zoonotic pathogens.

The biomaterials disappeared during the transfer of samples between refrigeration units in 2021, but the issue only came to light in 2024 following an internal audit. Authorities believe some of the samples may have been accidentally destroyed due to a freezer malfunction and documentation irregularities.

According to Australia’s Health Ministry, there is currently no evidence suggesting theft or a leak of the materials.

By Jeyhun Aghazada